trategic Upper South Platte Watershed Protection ...uppersouthplatte.org/pdf/CUSP Strategic...

Upp

er S

outh

Pla

tte W

ater

shed

Prot

ectio

n A

ssoc

iatio

n StrategicPlan

AdoptedFebruary 2001

Vision

A Healthy Watershed—Now and in the Future

Mission

The Upper South Platte Watershed Protection Association seeks to protect the water quality and ecological healthof the Upper South Platte Watershed, through the cooperativeefforts of watershed stakeholders, with emphasis placed on com-munity values and economic sustainability.

Participants inPlanning Process

Members of the General Public and Representatives from:

AlmaAurora Water Resources

Bureau of Land ManagementCentennial Water & Sanitation District

Center of Colorado Conservancy DistrictColorado Department of Public Health & Environment

Colorado Department of TransportationColorado Division of Water Resources

Colorado Division of Wildlife Colorado State Forest Service

Colorado State Trust Land BoardColorado Trout Unlimited

Denver Regional Council of GovernmentsDenver Water Department

Douglas CountyEnvironmental Protection Agency (US)

FairplayFairplay Sanitation District

Forest Service (US)Jefferson County

Jefferson County Soil Conservation DistrictPark County

Park County Advisory Board on the EnvironmentPikes Peak Area Council of Governments

Sierra ClubTeller Park Soil Conservation District

United States Geological SurveyUpper South Platte Conservancy District

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Two issues contributed to the initialinterest in getting this group together. First,in 1994/95, the USFS did a study of seg-ments of the South Platte within ForestService boundaries to assess whether anyriver segments within the boundaries mightqualify for designation under the Wild andScenic Rivers Act, based on OutstandinglyRemarkable Values (ORVs).

The Denver Water Board and otherFront Range water providers were con-cerned that designation would requirethe abandonment of some senior waterrights, and that designation would give

the USFS operational control of theriver, negatively impacting their ability tooperate their water rights.

Secondly, EPA guidelines on

Source Water Assessment Programs(SWAP) require water providers tolook at areas that impact their waterquality.

Based on these two issues, Denverand Aurora pulled together interestedparties to assess if there were ways toprotect the ORVs without Federal des-ignation, and to begin to look at sourcewater in the watershed. The plan wasto bring “all” interested parties to thetable.

Out of these meetings, came sever-al subcommittees, including one onwater quality. Denver and Aurora hiredfacilitators to work with the subcommit-tees.

As this group began discussingalternative scenarios to Wild andScenic designation, “up-river” entitiesbecame concerned that such an alter-native proposals would lead to long-term financial burdens on them for pol-lution abatement, without protectingthe ORVs. At that time, some up-riverentities would have preferred designa-tion over an alternative they felt onlyrepresented the interests of FrontRange entities.

The water quality subcommitteeintensified its efforts, and soughtdirect involvement with other SouthPlatte entities, including the up-riverentities. In early 1998, this groupbegan working on a Memorandum of

History

Robert’s Tunnel brings water from DillonReservoir in Summit County into the NorthFork of South Platte between Bailey andGrant. The South Platte supplies water to75% of Colorado’s residents, either fromnative supplies or transmountain diversions.

Understanding (MOU) and Bylaws. Underthe MOU, everyone agreed that whatevercame out of the newly created “UpperSouth Platte Watershed ManagementProgram” should be looked at as volun-tary, not regulatory.

By August of 1998, Park, Jefferson,Teller and Douglas Counties, the Cityof Aurora, Denver Water, the StateTrust Land Board, the Soil and WaterConservation Districts, and theCenter of Colorado and the UpperSouth Platter Water ConservancyDistricts signed the MOU, and beganworking on incorporating as a non-profit entity.

Under the MOU, the parties agreed tothe following preliminary list of water qual-ity goals:

1.) Protect water quality in theUpper South Platte River and its tribu-taries to support beneficial uses, whichcould include drinking water supplyand cold water fisheries.

2.) Sustain the productivity anddiversity of the ecological systemswithin the watershed.

3.) Address water quality impactsrelated to water quantity management.

4.) Manage nonpoint pollutantsources including grazing, forestry,transportation corridors, mining, ero-sion, and septic systems.

5.) Minimize impacts of disastrousevents, such as the Buffalo Creek Fire.

The list of preliminary objectives agreedupon by the group to attain these goals includ-ed:

• Develop a CoordinatedWatershed Management Program to

coordinate planning and development,optimize data collection, involve thepublic in planning, and give first priori-ty in planning to cooperative projectsamong members.

• Understand the watershed byidentifying current and future contami-

nation trends that jeopardize waterquality, use the best scientific informa-tion for resource allocation and landmanagement discussion, incorporatethe effects of growth and developmentin the basin, and protect historic andcultural resources.

• Prioritize watershed issues toincorporate diverse community values,incorporate desired ecosystem condi-tions based on historic and current con-siderations, and prioritize contamina-tion concerns using water quality stan-dards as preliminary objectives.

• Implement effective manage-ment strategies and practice adaptive

History...continued

Events like the Buffalo Creek Fire helped bring watershed stakehold-ers to the table. Here a burned over area, five years after the fire;grasses have returned, but trees are not expected to return naturallyfor hundreds of years.

management to bridge the gapbetween science and management,and to blend the objectives of theClean Water Act and Safe DrinkingWater Acts.

• Maintain and improve waterquality and related resources toachieve of streams, and sustain orimprove habitat for valuable renewableresources.

Federal agencies, including the ForestService, opted for limited participation asmembers of the Watershed AdvisoryGroup (WAG), instead of full membership.Some agencies have remained active

through the WAG, while others have notparticipated very much.

Members of the group met repeatedlywith the Forest Service, the largestlandowner in the watershed, to convince

the Agency that it should be a voting mem-ber. The Forest Service continues todecline participation at that level, in partbecause it feels its participation might bein conflict with the Federal AdvisoryCommittee Act. However, Forest Serviceparticipation has been increased recently,with the inclusion of the Forest Service’sUpper South Platte Restoration Project asa subcommittee of the Association.

In August 1998, Lisa McVicker, anattorney and Board member of the Centerof Colorado Water Conservancy District,prepared Articles of Incorporation for theUpper South Platte Watershed Protection

Association to submit to theSecretary of State’s Office. InSeptember, Lisa prepared anapplication for determination ofnonprofit, exempt status by theInternal Revenue Service,which the group received inOctober, 1998.

Once the Associationreceived determination fromthe IRS, it began applying forgrants. The first grant to theAssociation was a RegionalGeographic Initiative Grantfrom the EPA for developmentof a DATA INVENTORY ANDASSESSMENT (DIA). TheAssociation hired Brown andCaldwell to perform the inven-tory and assessment.

The DIA was designed to:1.) Identify and document

available data and responsible entitiesrelated to watershed land use activi-ties, water quality, environmental qual-ity, and Geographic InformationSystem (GIS) information.

History...continued

The Upper South Platte Watershed is home to several endangered andthreatened species, like the Pawnee montane skipper, a butterfly that livesno where else in the world.

History...continued

2.) Identify and rank existing andpotential sources that can affect waterquality and ecological health within thewatershed.

3.) Assess water quality and streamhealth conditions in the watershed.

4.) Prioritize areas for potentialprotection or restoration activity andareas requiring further study.

The DIA was completed by reviewingexisting studies and information, and bymaking contact with a variety of entitiesand agencies. Brown and Caldwell foundthat only one stream segment—CraigCreek in the Lost Park Wilderness—in theentire 2600 square mile watershed is “notimpaired”.

In late 1999, the Association appliedfor and received a SustainableDevelopment Challenge Grant from EPA.This grant provided funding to hire a coor-dinator and undertake a major watershedprotection and monitoring planningprocess.

A hiring committee advertised for theposition in October 1999, and interviewedfive applicants in November. Based on thecommittee’s recommendation, theAssociation’s Board approved a one yearcontract with Carol Ekarius, effectiveJanuary 1, 2000.

Thus far the Association and its membershave:

A.) Brought parties to the table,and provided a forum where partieswho have not traditionally workedtogether can identify and work onmutually beneficial and agreed-uponprojects.

B.) Educated members about whatis going on in the watershed. For

example, members have learned moreabout the Total Maximum Daily Load

(TMDL) process and its possibleimpacts on the watershed and memberentities.

C.) Provided members with amethod of pooling resources for betteruse of limited funds.

D.) Undertaken an education andinformation initiative with ColoradoDepartment of Public Health andEnvironment 319 funding

E.) Worked on the development ofa strategic plan, which includes fourmajor components:

1.) An overall operational plan; 2.) A watershed protection plan;

3.) A nonpoint source plan; and4.) A monitoring plan.

The Association works to educate stakeholders through meet-ings, seminars, field-days, and by supplying educational materi-als to schools within the watershed. Here interested citizensparticipate in a tour of the Trumball demonstration area onDenver Water lands near Deckers. The demonstration is acooperative effort of the USFS, CSFS, Denver Water, theAssociation, and others, designed to to evaluate sustainableforestry techniques.

Strengths Weaknesses

We are creating a dialog

We are bringing diverse groups of people tothe table

Funding (what we have now is, in part,crisis initiated.)

We need action projects

We have a strong vision We need to fine tune organizational operations

We are picking up steam Others: Not all stakeholders are engaged, lack of authori-ty, better volunteer commitment.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats

SWOT analysis is designed to help clarify the current condition of a group. Oncestrengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are defined and prioritized, actionstrategies can be identified to enhance strengths and opportunities, and to minimize oreliminate weaknesses and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal issues,while opportunities and threats are external. Some issues can be seen from both thepositive and negative side simultaneously. For example, growth is seen as both anopportunity because many people come to the area because they love it, and want toprotect it. But growth is also a threat, because it creates impacts like more roads,commercial development, higher concentrations of septic tanks, etc..

Opportunities Threats

We can build alliances with other groups

Regulations, like SWAP & TMDL

Competition for funding

Divisive issues, like the South ParkConjunctive Use Project

Volunteers Growth

Others: Funding & Growth Others: Laws like Colorado water law & regulations likeSWAP

SWOT...continued

Over the course of several meetings, the Association developed goals, strategies, andobjectives to enhance our strengths, take advantage of our opportunities, minimize ourweaknesses, and mitigate our threats. Our goals are broad-based ideas, our strate-gies are implementable techniques that will move us toward our goals, and our objec-tives are measurable criteria we will use to evaluate our success.

Goals ObjectivesStrategiesDevelop strong and diversefunding structure.

Create a strong enough baseso that we can hire help asneeded to implement thestrategies we develop withoutplacing undue burden on ourvolunteers.

Promote our message to awide audience.

Develop a visible presence inand around the watershed.

Build strong participation fromour partners and stakehold-ers.

Bring other stakeholders intothe group, especially privatecitizens.

Become involved in outsideregulatory processes relatedto our mission.

Work collaboratively with allstakeholders and those fromother areas that will help ussucceed with our mission.

Build recognition of theAssociation and what it isdoing.

Create a “development plan”for fundraising that includesindividuals, businesses, enti-ties, organizations, founda-tions, etc.

Create an information out-reach program that includesbrochures, newsletters, dog& pony show, web presence,etc.

Include a monitoring programas part of our planning.

Create a telephone tree foroutreach to members whodo not have e-mail.

Get “programs” going, includ-ing SWAP (source water assessment).

Outreach to political playersin watershed.

Do Board training.

Provide direct and indirectsupport to our collaboratorsand their projects.

Create a delegate systemfor members to attend meet-ings, speakers, etc.

Create a volunteer system.

Have 100-200 individualmembers within one year.

Have 300-500 individualmembers within three years.

Develop contact data for“strategic alliances” with atleast 20 prospective spon-sors within two years, haveat least one in negotiationswithin three years.

Have at least ten memberslisted in our delegate systemwithin one year.

Have an annual operatingfund of $100,000-150,000within three years.

Contact all “basin” entitiespersonally within two years.

Meet legislative aids whenthey are in our area.

Take dog & pony show tomeetings of each of ourmember’s boards within twoyears.

Have a list of at least 20 vol-unteers for work projects inone year.

SWOT...continued

StakeholdersThe following list represents potential stakeholders that have been identified by ourgroup, but have not been actively participating. These are interests that we need to tryharder to reach out to:

Realtors and DevelopersPrivate LandownersThe Governor’s Task Force on FireRoad & Bridge PersonnelPlanning, Zoning & Building PersonnelPoint Source DischargersFish and Wildlife ServiceUtility CompaniesInsurance CompaniesNurseriesEnvironmental DefenseColorado Native Plants SocietyColorado Herptilogical SocietyTrust for Public LandColorado Extension ServiceColorado Mountain ClubColorado Trail AssociationColorado CattlemenColorado Coalition of Land TrustsColorado Horse CouncilColorado Water Conservation BoardRiver Network/River WatchOther Watershed GroupsOther Environmental Groups

Watershed Description

The Upper South Platte Watershed is locatedsouthwest of the Metro Denver region inColorado. It cover’s approximately 2600 squaremiles (Hydrologic unit 10190001 and most ofunit 10190002). It represents approximately26% of the entire South Platte Watershed withinColorado. About 75% of Colorado’s residentscount wholly or in part on water that comes fromthe watershed (either native or transmountaindiversion waters) for drinking, industrial, andagricultural use.

The watershed begins at Strontia SpringsReservoir, and reaches the Continental Divide. It varies in elevation from about 6000 feet toover 14,000 feet above sea level. There are five major municipal reservoirs within the water-shed and several smaller reservoirs.

Under Colorado’s “Unified Assessment” the watershed is considered a high prioritywatershed in need of restoration. It is currently targeted under Colorado’s TMDL process,with the first TMDL just completed for metals in Mosquito Creek (segments COSPUS02B &2C). Other segments targeted for TMDLs in the future are the main stem of the South Plattefrom Eleven Mile to Cheesman (COSPUS01A) and Tarryall to the North Fork of the SouthPlatte, including Trout and West Creeks and tributaries (segment COSPUS03) for sediment;the North Fork in Hall Valley and Geneva Creek areas (COSPUS04); and Geneva Creek(COSPUS05B) for metals. Numerous segments are also listed on the State’s Monitoring andEvaluation list for further study.

Watershed Plan

The Watershed Plan serves as the Association’s plan for programs. It is designed to guideAssociation decisions. The Watershed Plan is divided into several sections:A Protection section, a Nonpoint Source Restoration section, a Monitoring section, and anIssue section for subjects that the Association has identified. These sections are dynamicand interrelated.

Contaminants of Concern1. Sediment—Both natural conditions and human activities contribute to

sediment loadings. Natural conditions that contribute to this problem include the results of wildfire, steep terrain and geological characteristics. Sediment from human activities is impacted by:

• Land use and development• Transportation• Agriculture

2. Nutrients, in particular phosphorous—Phosphorous is a concern because the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission’s Chatfield Reservoir Control Regulation places an annual allocation on the upper watershed. The allocation is flow adjusted, but base allocation is 17,930 pounds per year. Nitrogen compounds are also a concern because many of the watershed’s residents utilize septic systems, and these systems are often old, usually unmaintained, and frequently located in close proximity to flowing streams.

3. Metals/acid mine drainage—Traditionally a great deal of mining took place in the watershed. Several mines, such as the London Mine, are still licensed and have NPDES permits. The Association is also aware of 84 abandoned mines within the watershed (though more may exist that are undocumented).

4. Microorganisms—Though less of an issue than the others, coliform bacteria and other microorganisms may be a concern. These may come from natural sources (wildlife), livestock, septic systems, and/or wastewater treatement plants’s.

Overall Goals for Watershed Plan1.) Create a water literate culture that understands where water comes from, what the

water quality concerns are, and how water relates to the greater ecological good.2.) Develop watershed education programs for students so they will go on to be

water literate as adults.3.) Act as a clearing house for information, and a trustworthy link between citizens,

government entities, environmental organizations and others who wish to participate in adialog about watershed issues.

4.) Provide expertise to other groups that need technical information (for example,BMP’s, SWAP, etc.).

5.) Develop and implement restoration projects that will begin restoring the waterquality and ecological health of the watershed.

6.) Coordinate monitoring and maintenance of data developed by the Association orother entities and organizations.

Watershed Plan...continued


IssuesAssociation members have ranked issues within the watershed into two categories,High Priority or Low Priority. All these issues are of concern to the Association; how-ever, members feel the items ranked as high priority are either environmentally mostcritical, or something upon which the Association can make progress in a reasonabletime. Items listed as low priority are those we either feel we cannot do anything aboutat this time, or that have adequate regulatory controls for the time being. Within thesetwo categories, issues have not been further prioritized.

High Priority Low Priority• Agriculture—Traditionally, ranching was a

major industry in the watershed. Today, ranching plays less of arole; however there’s been a significant increase in “ranchettes”.Both ranching and ranchettes contribute heavily to erosion. Unlikeother areas of the country, agriculture operators within the water-shed don’t tend to use heavy applications of herbicides, pesticidesor chemical fertilizers.

• Fire—Two major wildfires have occurred withinthe last five years. These fires have burned at very high heats,resulting in high erosion incidents. Almost all forested areas withinthe watershed are considered to be “red-zones”, or areas that aresusceptible to more high intensity burns.

• Land use and development—Allcounties within the watershed are experiencing very highgrowth rates, which contributes to erosion, nutrient loading, etc..

• Mining—Mining contributes metals, which

impact aquatic life and drinking water.

• Recreation—The watershed is one of theState’s most utilized recreation areas. Fishing, hunting, moun-tain biking, off road vehicle use, and cross country skiing are allpopular pursuits. Trails are often primary contributors to sedi-ment, especially those used by off road vehicle enthusiasts.

• Transportation—Road construction and

maintenance contribute a great deal of sediment to the watershed.

• Water rights—Colorado’s water rights lawsmay hinder many activities that would improve water quality--forexample, a rancher cannot fence out the creek and then pumpwater for his stock to a tank above the creek.

• Water system operations—Severalmajor transmountain diversions bring water into the basin. Thiswater will have some impact; for example, it will increase totalpounds of phosphorous. Also, operations of reservoirs canimpact the quantity of water in the stream, flushing flows,streambank stability, etc..

• Weeds—Noxious weeds are reducing thevitality of natural ground covers, and are often dealt withthrough the use of herbicides.

• Natural Sources—Natural sources of pol-lution include contributions of sediment from undisturbedslopes, coliforms and other pathogens from wildlife waste, andsources of nutrients from animals and plant breakdown. In cer-tain areas background radiation is a concern.

• Solid/Hazardous Waste—There areno permitted landfills in the watershed; however there are someclosed facilities within the watershed that could contribute con-tamination. Two of these are known to have impacted groundand surface water. Four transfer stations are permitted withinthe watershed. There are no known hazardous waste siteswithin the watershed. Household hazardous waste programsare not readily available to citizens within the watershed.

• Spills/Illegal Dumps—Three major high-ways (US 285, US 24, and CSH 9) run through the watershedand carry moderate to heavy truck traffic, so most spills wouldbe associated with vehicle accidents. There are no knownindustries within the watershed that might be expected to havea “spill”.

• Stormwater Runoff—There are nomunicipalities within the watershed that are slated for stormwaterpermits; however, Jefferson and Douglas Counties will be subjectto permits under Phase II of the stormwater permitting system.

• Underground Storage Tanks—There are 15 known to leak, or to have leaked in the past, thatare still considered “open” cases by the Oil Inspection Serviceat the Department of Labor and Employment. Open cases areeither still in the process of being cleaned up, or have an unsta-ble plume of contamination impacting ground or surface waters.

• WastewaterTreatement Plants(WWTP’s) and Septic Systems—There areseven community WWTP’s within the watershed operatingunder NPDES permits. Generally these are in compliance.None are currently treating wastewater at levels beyond sec-ondary, but as the upper watershed approaches its total phos-phorous allocation, they could be forced to add phosphoroustreatment. Failing or inadequate septic systems are a problem.


Goals ObjectivesStrategiesProtect Craig Creek—Of 41sub-basins identified in theData Inventory andAssessment, Craig Creek isthe only one considered tobe unimpaired by humanactivities.

Protect riparian/wetlandareas—The watershed isknown for some extremelyvaluable wetlands (fens),and healthy riparian areasare critical to watershedhealth.

Conservation easements—Easements are an excellentway to protect the water-shed, and the Associationwill collaborate and supportthe efforts of groups work-ing to acquire easements.

Ground cover—Adequateground cover (grasses,legumes, forbs, brush,trees) protects the landfrom soil erosion.

Educate school children.

Educate general public.

Craig Creek signage—Since agood deal of the Craig Creek sub-basin islocated in the Lost Creek WildernessArea, targeted signage for recreatorsshould be a valuable educational tool.

Partner with South ParkWetlands FocusCommittee, Upper SouthPlatte Restoration Project...

Fencing—work with ranchers tofence riparian and/or wetland habitats tocontrol grazing.

Water transfers for live-stock—Colorado’s water law makes itdifficult for ranchers to pump from thestream to a tank. With our partners wewill work to create a mechanism thatenables ranchers to do this.

Tree planting demonstra-tions—Work with ranchers to do clumpplanting in riparian areas.

Host conservation ease-ment workshops

Facilitate the work of thegroups working on conser-vation easements.

“Water’s Ways” kits—Thesekits teache elementary students about thewatershed and water cycle.

Educate through newsletter,seminars and workshops,webpage, etc.

Have signs at each CraigCreek trail head within threeyears.

Have at least two “demo”fencing projects within threeyears and a program inplace so other ranchers canbecome involved.

Work on changes to NRCSrules over two years. Haveat least two “demo” plant-ings (three years).

Host one workshop on con-servation easements everyother year. Host a meetingwithin the next year ofgroups working on conser-vation easements.

Have “water’s ways” kits inall schools within two years.

Publish newsletter quarterly.

Host at least two workshopsper year.

Establish web page withintwo years

Watershed Protection SegmentThis portion of the plan identifies goals, strategies and objectives for protecting

resources at least at the present level. The goals in this section will also be supportedby goals, strategies, and objectives covered in the sections that address specificissues. South Park Wetlands Focus Committee is an active partner, for wetlands/ripar-ian protection, and we’ll incorporate their strategic plan when it is complete.


Nonpoint Source Restoration Plan SegmentThis portion of the plan identifies goals, strategies and objectives for minimizing

or eliminating the impacts of nonpoint sources on water quality and ecological health.The goals in this section will also be supported by goals, strategies, and objectivescovered in the sections that address specific issues.

Goals ObjectivesStrategiesWork from the headwatersdownstream to the extentthat it is practicable, or onstream segments that arecurrently slated for TMDLs,or that are on the State’smonitoring and evaluationlist.

Foster partnerships thatmake improvementsthrough restoration work onboth private and publiclands along impairedstream segments.

Develop an “Adopt-a-stream” program.

Improve vegetative cover inareas that have been dam-aged by grazing, off-roadvehicles, or other impacts.

Sheep Creek and SpringCreek were identified in theDIA as being in need ofrestoration. These streamsare located in the southernextent of the MosquitoRange, and drain to theSouth Fork. They combineprivate and public lands.These are the first two seg-ments for general restora-tion work.

Use Adopt-a-stream pro-gram to accomplish restora-tion, plantings, monitoring,clean-ups, etc.

Seeding—Work with privateand/or public landowners toseed areas that have dis-turbed vegetation. Wheregrazing is still occurring,work with livestock ownersto feed pelleted nativeseeds.—

Develop a specific restora-tion plan for Tarryall, Springand Sheep Creeks withintwo years.

Have some restoration proj-ects underway within fouryears on both private andpublic lands.

Have at least one streamsegment adopted within twoyears; at least three streamsegments adopted withinthree years.

Seed at least 5000 acresover five years.


Monitoring SegmentThis portion of the plan identifies goals, strategies and objectives for monitoring

water quality and ecological health within the watershed.

Goals ObjectivesStrategiesFocus on phosphorous andsediment.

Establish a program thatcan answer the question:Do we have problems otherthan phosphorous and sedi-ment, and if so what arethey and where do theyoccur.

Establish monitoring sta-tions on segments thatdon’t have adequate infor-mation.

Fill in gaps in current ripari-an and habitat assess-ments.

Perform trophic statusanalysis on reservoirs.

Develop a sustainable andreasonable data collectionand maintenance system.

Monitor restoration projects.

Support monitoring in areasof high development, partic-ularly where septic systemsand wells are the onlyoption.

Basin-wide reconnaissancesampling with trophic scan.

Take over maintenance ofdata-base that USGS devel-oped for monitoring data.

Review status of assess-ments to identify gaps inassessments.

Collaborate with USFS,CSFS, DWD and others onUpper South PlatteRestoration Project monitor-ing.

Develop a volunteer moni-toring team in cooperationwith river watch program.

Facilitate bi-monthly meet-ings of federal/state/localentities that are currentlydoing monitoring in thebasin.

Submit grant application to319 funding in 2001 appli-cation period.

Have an employee onlineand capable of inputtingand maintaining data withinthree years.

Have at least three volun-teer teams ready for train-ing this fall.


Goals ObjectivesStrategiesEducational program forboth commercial ag andranchette interests.

Work with ranch communityto develop sustainable prac-tices planning and imple-mentation, including devel-oping exclusionary fencingfor riparian areas and pas-ture subdivisions for man-aged grazing.

Provide informationexchange with regards tofunding, sustainable prac-tices, and other activities.

Restoration in ag areas.

Support conservation ease-ments for ag lands.

Develop concrete informa-tion on the impacts of agri-culture.

Ranch tours/grazing net-work.

Work with ExtensionService in hosting educa-tional meetings forranchette owners.

Rancher workshops onmanaged grazing.

Identify funding sources forag community, like EQUIP,and provide technical sup-port in obtaining funds forrestoration and fencing.

Work with ag groups to pre-pare newsletters for agcommunity that discussesholistic management, con-servation easements, etc.

Work with various interestson conservation easementeducation and develop-ment.

Survey and prioritize water-shed for areas of agricultur-al impacts.

Host at least two ranchtours per year at ranchesthat are practicing managedgrazing/holistic manage-ment.

Assist interested ranchersin forming a grazing net-work.

Host at least one workshopper year for ranchette own-ers.

Host at least one workshopper year on managed graz-ing....

Develop and distribute afunding info packet forranchers.

Publish and distribute asemi-annual newsletter forag community.

Identify one sub-basin withwilling landowners, anddevelop a restoration planfor that sub-basin.

Perform the survey and pri-oritize within 4 years.

Issue: AgricultureThere are two distinct audiences for agriculture: the larger-scale ranchers, and

the small-scale “ranchettes”. Both of these types of agriculture contribute to sedimentloading within the watershed. To a lesser extent, agriculture brings up concerns relat-ing to fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. At the same time, the Association supportsranching as a way to protect large tracts of land.


Issue: FireMost forested areas are highly susceptible to intense and large scale fire. The

Association is actively working with our members through the Upper South PlatteRestoration Project. That group has done extensive planning, and their plan is incor-porated into this plan by reference.

Goals ObjectivesStrategiesReduce risk of large cata-strophic fire.

Reduce the risks to humanlife and property.

Protect water quality for allusers.

Create a sustainable forest.

Integrate research, monitor-ing and management.

Continue being active par-ticipants in USPRP.

Work with USPRP mem-bers to expand funding sothat more area can receivetreatments.

Work with local fire districtsto educate public aboutdefensible space.

Educate students about for-est health and fire ecology.

Seek at least one grant orother major funding sourcein the next three yearsdesigned to expand theUSPRP treatment areas.

Develop and distribute apamphlet on defensiblespace within three years.

Develop and implement aprogram for high school sci-ence students, includingfield trips to burn areas andrestoration areas.


Goals ObjectivesStrategiesLand use planning that pro-tects watersheds throughuse of setbacks, BestManagement Practice(BMP) techniques for con-struction, etc.

Create dialog with publiclands managers/electedofficials about requiring con-servation easements onpublic lands transferred toprivate hands.

Research BMP’s, modelordinances, etc, and pro-vide information on thesetopics to all local govern-ments within watershed.

Attend meetings with elect-ed officials and/or publicland managers to discussthe use of conservationeasements on transfers.

Participate in public processfor land transfers.

Complete research onBMP’s and model ordi-nances within one year.

Facilitate work of a “LandUse Committee” to reviewBMPs and model ordi-nances.

Develop and distribute infopacket to local governmentswithin two years.

Issue: Land Use and DevelopmentHigh growth will continue to create problems, and local governments may not

always have the best information for addressing water and ecological issues withintheir regulations. We support good land use regulations and will work with local gov-ernments to address growth-related problems.


Goals ObjectivesStrategiesIdentify abandoned minesthat have potential toimpact aquatic life/humanhealth.

Develop restoration plansfor mines that have poten-tial impacts on aquaticlife/human health.

Participate in the Army Corpof Engineers Restoration ofAbandoned MinesProgram—The Corp’s pro-gram is fairly new, but willprovide significant Federalfunding if the Corp findsthrough a reconnaissancethat there are projects that itcan do.

Encourage work by theColorado Office ofAbandoned Mines to per-form restoration on mines inthe watershed

Pursue an appropriationfrom Congress for theRAMS reconnaissance.

Contact COAM and invite tomeeting.

Issue: MiningOur watershed is impacted by 84 identified abandoned mines, as well as some

mines that are still permitted.


Goals ObjectivesStrategiesTrails—The watershed is amajor recreational area.Trails require good designand adequate maintenanceonce constructed.Recreational uses need tobe compatible with the geol-ogy and landscape of thearea where its taking place.

Identified Trail Projects—Two sections of trail havebeen identified to date as inneed of definite work: ThreeMile Creek Trail and BenTyler Gulch trail. ThreeMile Creek trail runs alongthe river for about a mile,and has severe erosion tak-ing place. Ben Tyler Gulchtrail has severe gullying (upto two feet) that carrieswater from several seepsand springs.

Campgrounds—There aredozens of publicly ownedcampgrounds within thewatershed. These facilitiesneed adequately designedand maintained sewagefacilities.

Trail maintenance funds—Work with our partners toobtain funds for trail proj-ects.

Work with land owning part-ners (USFS, BLM, STLB, DWD,

CSPARKS...) to develop a com-plete trail assessmentwhich identifies and priori-tizes all trails within thewatershed for repairs &maintenance.

Repair Three Mile, BurningBear Creek, and Ben TylerGulch Trails

Campground assessment—Work with our partners toassess their campgroundfacilities.

Work with USFS staff toidentify parters and priori-ties within the recreationarea.

Raise 15,000 per year forgeneral trail maintenanceand repairs within fouryears.

Trail assessment completewithin five years.

Repair Burning Bear withintwo years.

Repair Ben Tyler Gulch orThree MileTrail within fouryears.

Campground assessmentcomplete within three years.

Outreach to recreationalgroups through newsletter,pamphlets, etc.

Issue: RecreationThe watershed is an intensively used recreation area. The impacts from recre-

ation are growing as Colorado’s population grows.


Goals ObjectivesStrategiesEducation program for roadmaintenance personnel,contractors, etc. on BMPsfor road construction andmaintenance.

Restoration on worstoffending roads.

Make BMP’s informationavailable to the public, roadcrews, contractors.

Identify list of worst offend-ing roads and work withColorado Department ofTransportation to acquirefunding for restoration ofthese.

Collect and distribute BMPinformation within threeyears.

Prepare a list of worstoffending roads within threeyears.

Use list to seek fundingthrough TE21 and otherhighway funding pools forrestoration.

Issue: TransportationErosion from poorly constructed and maintained roads and driveways is a major

cause of sediment loading within the watershed.


Goals ObjectivesStrategiesIdentify water rights issuesthat we can do somethingabout, like water rightsinterfering with ranchersabilities to fence out riparianareas.

Create a dialog about waterrights issues and their con-nection to ecological health.

Educate public aboutColorado water law.

Create dialog about the fea-sibility of “Bill Gordon’s ‘usetax’” for Front Range waterproviders.

Work with partners andgeneral public to identify thefull gamut of water rightsissues through a series ofpublic meetings, pressreleases, etc.

Literature review for howwater issues are being han-dled in other states.

Use our newsletter to cre-ate dialog and educate pub-lic.

Attend meetings of statelevel elected officials,Colorado Water Congress,etc. to dialog water rightsissue, “Bill’s use tax,”....

Have staff member partici-pate in “Colorado WaterTrust” Board.

Host at least five meetingswithin three years to identifythe issues.

Perform literature reviewwithin three years.

Issue: Water Rights


Goals ObjectivesStrategiesManage flows for multipleuses.

Determine impacts of trans-mountain diversions.

Restore stream-banks inareas where bank integrityhas been compromised bywater system operations.

Minimize the impacts oftransfers that do occur fromagriculture to municipal use.

Literature review on watersystem operations for multi-ple use.

Develop flow managementplans—Work with our part-ners to develop plans thatmanage for multiple use ifplans don’t currently exist ordo not adequately addressmultiple use.

Conduct a study/assess-ment of the impacts oftransmountain diversion onthe phosphorous allocation.

Establish a demonstrationsite where flows have beenoperated to protect multipleuses—The area betweenSpinney and Eleven Mile ishighly visible and has beenmanaged to protect fish &wildlife, recreation, etc.This would be a good sitefor interpretive programs,signage, etc.

Work with various parties toassure good revegetationwhen ag water transferred.

Complete literature reviewwithin two years.

Have flow managementplans complete within fiveyears.

Develop study plan forphosphorous impacts fromtransmountain divertedwaters within one year.

Conduct phosphorous studywithin five years.

Issue: Water System Operations


Goals ObjectivesStrategiesEstablish revegetation stan-dards and define “weed”,“native”, and “wildflower”within the standard.

Weed education

Facilitate watershedapproach to weeds.

Create “model” standard forrevegetation with nativeplants, and encourage localadoption.

Create a weed page on awebsite, with links to infor-mation and pictures aboutweeds.

Seek funding to bring all“weed” interests to thesame table to work on inte-grated pest management.

Have model developedwithin two years, and pres-ent to all local governmentswithin three years.

Add weed page to web-sitewithin one year of web-sitestart-up.

Issue: Weeds

trategic Upper South Platte Watershed Protection ...uppersouthplatte.org/pdf/CUSP Strategic...

Documents

Transcript of trategic Upper South Platte Watershed Protection ...uppersouthplatte.org/pdf/CUSP Strategic...